What makes a life science job offer competitive in 2022?

What Life Science Professionals Look for in a Job: Top 6 Factors

Shifting Priorities in a Post-Pandemic Job Market

Life science companies have been adapting to meet employee needs long before the pandemic, but today, understanding what top talent values is more important than ever. In a marketplace full of vacancies, factors beyond salary are now crucial to attracting and retaining skilled professionals across a wide array of functions.

Salary: Important, But Not the Only Factor

While salary remains a strong motivator, it’s not necessarily the most critical aspect of a job offer for life science professionals. In fact, career progression and leadership opportunities often top the list. Professionals in this field are looking for clear growth paths and leadership they can trust, especially after the last few years of uncertainty.

For instance, companies like Stryker UK and Horizon Therapeutics have demonstrated the impact of strong leadership and workforce investment. Stryker ranked highly in the UK’s Best Large Workplaces in 2021, with employees citing management’s clear organizational vision as a key factor. Similarly, Horizon Therapeutics emphasized health and well-being during the pandemic, which was widely appreciated by their workforce.

Leadership and Culture Matter

Good leadership and a supportive work environment are valued by employees across industries. According to Glassdoor’s “Best Companies to Work For” list, companies that prioritize positive workplace culture, strong leadership, and employee well-being consistently rank the highest. This is no different in life sciences, where a healthy work environment can attract and retain top talent.

Motivators for Career Moves

When considering a career move, candidates continue to look for higher salaries and career growth. However, flexible working arrangements, a supportive company culture, and a company’s reputation also carry weight. More than half of professionals are open to relocating for the right role if the salary and benefits align with their expectations. For positions that cannot be made fully remote, offering competitive salaries, employee development programs, and other perks can still attract top talent in the hybrid-working landscape.

Transparent Salary Ranges Make a Difference

Displaying the salary range in job advertisements is essential. Top talent doesn’t want to invest time in an application process only to find out the salary doesn’t meet their expectations. If salary isn’t a role’s strongest selling point, highlight other benefits like flexible work, relocation assistance, and perks such as healthcare or travel allowances. Providing links to company social media pages can also give candidates a feel for your workplace culture.

Top 6 Factors That Make Life Science Roles Competitive

    1.    Salary

    2.    Career Progression

    3.    Therapeutic Area/ Work Focus

    4.    Company Culture

    5.    Flexible Working

    6.    Benefits (e.g., healthcare, bonuses, travel)

Interested in Boosting Your Recruitment Strategy?

If you’re ready to attract top life science talent with a competitive offering, reach out to us today to discuss how we can support your recruitment needs!